Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe Perfect for Sharing

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There’s something cozy and inviting about a warm, soft pretzel bite. These delightful little treats are perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or just as a satisfying snack. They’re easy to make, and the smell of baking pretzels will fill your home with warmth and comfort. With this beginner-friendly recipe, you’ll whip up a batch of soft pretzel bites in no time. Just follow the steps, and you’ll be enjoying fresh pretzels that are better than any store-bought version.

Why Beginners Will Love This Easy Recipe

This recipe for soft pretzel bites is tailored to be super simple and rewarding, even for beginners. The dough is easy to handle, and you get to enjoy the fun of shaping it into bites. In just a few straightforward steps, you’ll create flavorful, chewy pretzels that are perfect for dipping. It’s a great way to build your confidence in the kitchen while treating yourself to a delicious snack.

How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites in Simple Steps

Making soft pretzel bites involves a few key steps. First, you’ll mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar to activate the yeast. Then, combine the wet ingredients with flour and salt to form a dough. After kneading, let the dough rise for a bit. Next, cut the dough into pieces, shape them into little ropes, and then boil the bites in a baking soda solution before baking them until golden brown. Lastly, enjoy dipping them in your favorite sauces!

Ingredients

1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (lukewarm—around 100°F (38°C) is great)
2 and 1/4 teaspoons (7g) instant or active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
1 Tablespoon brown sugar or granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cool
3 and 3/4 – 4 cups (469-500g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for hands and work surface
Topping: coarse salt/coarse sea salt
1/2 cup (120g) baking soda
9 cups (2,160ml) water
Spicy cheese sauce or your favorite mustard (optional for dipping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, whisk together warm water, yeast, and sugar. Cover the mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy on top.
Add salt, melted butter, and 3 cups (375g) of flour to the yeast mixture. If using a mixer, beat on low speed for 1 minute. If mixing by hand, stir until combined. Add another 3/4 cup (95g) of flour and continue mixing until the dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl (about 2 minutes). If the dough is too sticky, add the remaining 1/4 cup of flour and beat for 1 more minute.
Keep the dough in the mixer and switch to the dough hook if using a stand mixer. Knead for an additional 5 minutes, or knead by hand on a flour-dusted surface for 5 minutes. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky, but not sticky.
Once kneaded, cover the dough lightly with a towel and let it rest for 10-30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Lightly flour your work surface. Cut the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-inch-long rope. If the dough resists, let it rest covered for 10 minutes to relax the gluten. Once rolled, cut into 1.5–2-inch pieces to form bites.
In a large pot, mix together 9 cups of water and 1/2 cup of baking soda. Bring this mixture to a boil.
Carefully place 8-10 pretzel bites into the boiling water for 10-15 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon, letting excess water drip off, and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle with coarse salt while they are still wet.
Repeat the boiling process with the remaining bites. If desired, you can refrigerate the boiled but unbaked bites for up to 24 hours before baking.
Bake the pretzel bites for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites in Simple Steps

Enjoy These Pretzel Bites with Delicious Dips

Soft pretzel bites are delightful when enjoyed warm, right after baking. They pair perfectly with spicy cheese sauce or your favorite mustard for dipping. Whether it’s a game day snack or a fun treat for family movie night, these bites will surely be a hit. You can also serve them as appetizers at parties or as a tasty addition to a homemade snack spread.

How to Store and Keep Your Pretzel Bites Fresh

To store leftover pretzel bites, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They may lose some softness over time, but they’re still tasty. To refresh them, microwave for a few seconds or bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid freezing pretzel bites, as they are best enjoyed fresh.

Helpful Tips for Making Perfect Pretzel Bites

When kneading the dough, be careful not to add too much flour. The dough should feel slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
To check if your dough has risen enough, poke it with your finger. If it springs back slowly, it’s ready to shape.
During boiling, do not leave the pretzel bites in the water too long, as they can develop a metallic taste.
Keep an eye on the baking time; they should be golden brown when done. If you want them darker, leave them in for an extra minute or two.

Variations You Can Try with Soft Pretzel Bites

Cheesy Pretzel Bites: Add shredded cheese to the dough before shaping it into bites for added flavor.
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites: After baking, brush the bites with melted butter and toss them in cinnamon sugar instead of salt.
Herbed Pretzel Bites: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for a savory twist.

FAQs About Soft Pretzel Bites

Can I make pretzel bites in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After shaping the bites, refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours. They can be boiled and baked the next day.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries! You can knead the dough by hand using a large mixing bowl. Just be patient and mix until your dough is well combined and smooth.

Can I freeze the pretzel bites?

It is not recommended to freeze these pretzel bites as they are best enjoyed fresh. They can be stored at room temperature for a few days, and reheating will bring back some softness.

Soft Pretzel Bites Are a Treat for Everyone

Making soft pretzel bites is a rewarding experience that results in a treat loved by many. Their delightful chewiness and simple preparation make them a great addition to any occasion. Once you master this recipe, you can enjoy warm, homemade pretzel bites whenever the craving strikes.

As you try this recipe for Soft Pretzel Bites, take a moment to reflect on your experience. Cooking can be a fun and fulfilling activity, so enjoy the process and feel proud of your delicious creation. Maybe next time, you’ll want to try one of the fun variations, or even explore more recipes for other cozy snacks and treats!

Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe